Deputy mayor Adrian Schrinner says TransLink sink free ferry

Brisbane’s Deputy Mayor has accused a first-term councillor of suspending her campaign for a free ferry because she “got the cane” and was told to “shut up” by the transport minister.

Councillor Kara Cook (Morningside) says there should be a free cross river ferry between Bulimba and Teneriffe, just like the City Hopper. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

BRISBANE’S Deputy Mayor has accused a first-term councillor of suspending her campaign for a free ferry because she “got the cane” and was told to “shut up” by the transport minister.

Labor Cr Kara Cook (Morningside) promised a free ferry Bulimba and Teneriffe to encourage commuters to use the ferry to fight traffic congestion as part of her election campaign.

LNP Deputy mayor and Brisbane public transport boss Adrian Schrinner said Cr Cook had been “silent” on her campaign since a meeting she had with Labor Transport Minister Mark Bailey in October last year.

Labor Cr Kara Cook refuted Cr Adrian Schrinner’s claims she stopped her campaign and thanked him for putting her the free Bulimba ferry back on the council’s agenda.

The meeting between Cr Cook and Mr Bailey was just before Brisbane City Council refused a petition to make the ferry free because it was well-patronised but asked TransLink if it supported removing the fares.

At the time, Cr Cook said she would lobby her state colleagues, Mr Bailey and Member for Bulimba Di Farmer for their support.

Bulimba Ferry Terminal, Oxford St, Bulimba. 1st November 2017 Bulimba Ferry Terminal is a Brisbane landmark . Snap Brisbane Photo AAP/ Ric Frearson

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Cr Schrinner said TransLink wrote back to the council with stark advice in January this year.

“TMR does not support the removal of fares from Bulimba ferries,” the letter it stated.

Cr Schrinner said although Cr Cook met with Mr Bailey in October, she did not tell the chamber or her constituents the outcome of that meeting.

“So obviously it’s been like Cr Cook went to see the school principal, got the cane and got sent home with nothing and now she’s just been told to shut up,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner says Cr Kara Cook (Morningside) had stopped campaigning on the Bulimba free ferry. Picture: Peter Wallis

Cr Cook said she spoke to Mr Bailey and he had promised to help facilitate a free ferry but only after the council committed to make it free.

“At no time did I say that council should be let off the hook,” Cr Cook said.

“It remains my strong view that council should make these services free just like they do for the inner city Hopper,” she said.

Cr Kara Cook (Morningside) said it was Brisbane City Council’s responsibility to fund a free Bulimba to Teneriffe ferry, not the State Government’s. Picture: Supplied

Mr Bailey said he promised Cr Cook and Member for Bulimba Di Farmer that the TMR would support a free ferry with timetables and ticketing.

“Funding a free cross-river ferry service between Bulimba and Teneriffe is a decision for Brisbane City Council,” he said.

“Cr Schrinner’s slippery approach is to distract attention from his refusal to match Cr Cook’s worthy commitment.”

Ms Farmer also confirmed her commitment to the free service: “This is a Council responsibility to fund this service. It’s the State Government’s responsibility to facilitate it”.